Brawny and spacious, the 2020 Lincoln Navigator and GMC Yukon are the stuff of rich, family-style comfort and pure adventure. How do you choose between these full-size SUVs? Easy. Just take a closer look. Our comparison guide has the facts.
Best Updates for 2020: 2020 Lincoln Navigator
When you fork over extra money for a brand new SUV, you’re going to want all the latest features and upgrades. The Navigator delivers the goods, with a tech and safety lineup that trumps that of its predecessors. This new Lincoln SUV includes high-tech safety aids, like automatic emergency braking, as standard equipment on every trim level. Many clever options, like the ability to lock the doors via smartphone, are also new to the Navigator lineup.
The 2020 Yukon, on the other hand, is basically unchanged from 2019 model year. That’s not to say that the Yukon doesn’t have a lot to offer. But if you’re looking for exciting new features, you won’t find them here.
Biggest, Most Luxurious cabin
Biggest, Most Luxurious Cabin: 2020 Lincoln Navigator
With its wrap-around dash, floating center console, and high-end creature comforts, the Navigator easily outdoes competitors in the luxury department. The cabin is certainly never short on space, with generous leg and elbowroom in every seat. We’re also big fans of the tilting-and-sliding second row, which gives you both improved second-row legroom and third-row access.
If you add the optional first-row bench seat, the GMC Yukon does offer space for up to nine people. That’s one more seat than you get in the Navigator, so, if you’ve got an especially huge family, you might consider this GMC SUV. However, the Yukon falls short of the Navigator’s take on luxury. Its optional leather upholstery and cabin trim options are nice enough – if not quite as stylish as the Navigator.
Max Towing
Max Towing: 2020 Lincoln Navigator
With its unique combination of modern luxury and ample towing power, the Navigator is mighty persuasive. Add the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package and this Lincoln SUV can tow up to 8,600 pounds. You’ll be pulling a big boat, camper, or horse trailer in complete style.
The GMC Yukon is nearly as plucky, maxing at 8,500 pounds. However, you should keep in mind that its base towing capacity is only 6,300 pounds. You have to upgrade engine and equipment options to reach the Yukon’s full potential.
Smoothest Cruiser
Smoothest Cruiser: 2020 Lincoln Navigator
Since the Navigator puts such an emphasis on that luxury lifestyle, it probably comes as no surprise that this Lincoln is a smooth operator. On-road comfort is underscored by a smooth ride, minimal cabin noise, and sublime seating comfort from Lincoln’s highly-adjustable Perfect Position seats.
Inside the Yukon, things are quiet and comfortable, with impressive noise damping and generally supportive seats. However, ride comfort suffers a bit, due to some unwieldy body motion that can leave you feeling a little wobbly.